Woman sent to prison for fraudulent actions against elderly mother-in-law

Jun. 26--LANCASTER -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced the sentencing of a Fairfield County woman who pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft, forgery and identification fraud.

"This 'in-law' was really an outlaw fraudulently victimizing a grieving widow," Yost said. "Prison time and restitution are warranted repercussions for preying on the elderly."

Lori Downey forged documents to gain power of attorney authority for her recently widowed mother-in-law to gain access to financial accounts and then began withdrawing money. She also circumvented bank policies by posing as the victim to retain account access. Downey also convinced the victim to cash in an insurance policy and then pocketed the proceeds.

Downey was sentenced to three years in prison, 10 years of community control sanctions and is required to pay restitution of $97,596.24. The sentence creates a no-contact order that shields the victim.

The Special Prosecutions section of the Ohio Attorney General's Office prosecuted the case.

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